Funds boost eases pain
Mental health system under pressure
MENTAL health advocates say the federal government’s $2.3bn spending blitz on mental health support is recognition of a sector under immense pressure due to increasing demand.
This week’s budget includes millions to expand youth mental health treatment, create a network of walk-in centres for those aged above 25, and increase medical staff capable of treating mental health issues.
The government’s five-pillared plan will include $248.6m for prevention and early intervention of mental health issues with $111.2m set aside to create a national online platform of professional counselling, peer support, clinical support and referrals; $298.1m for suicide prevention; $1.4bn for treatment; $107m to support vulnerable people; and $202m to address mental health workforce and governance issues.
Another $158.6m will be spent to fund after-care for every Australian discharged from hospital following a suicide attempt.
Executive director at youth mental health service Orygen, Patrick McGorry, said the government had acted to “genuinely strengthen clinical services” to improve access to quality care.
“The strengthening of the headspace network and increased capacity will make a big difference to its waitlists and to continuity of care,” Professor McGorry said.
“The advent of the adult and child versions of this integrated mental health care model based in the heart of the community validates and extends (headspace).”
The national headspace network, assisting those aged 12-25, will be expanded with 10 new headspace centres at a cost of $278.6m.
Headspace chief executive Jason Trethowan said the sector’s workforce was unable to keep pace with demand.
“The past 12 months have no doubt been some of the most difficult for many young people,” Mr Trethowan said.
The package also includes $487.2m for eight new adult mental health hubs across Australia, and $54.2m for up to 15 mental health and wellbeing centres for children aged up to 12 years old.
Other funding includes $820.1m for a network of multidisciplinary mental health treatment centres; $171.3m across two years to continue psychosocial support for people with severe mental illness who do not qualify for the NDIS; and $5.7m to assist people with mental illness to participate in the workforce.